Kolter Homeowner Guide

Exterior Doors

Apply elastomeric caulk to any cracks. Inspect every three months where the jamb meets the threshold. Caulk as needed.

Your home’s exterior doors need minor adjustments and maintenance to keep them operating smoothly. Care and maintenance The following are tips for maintaining your exterior doors. General maintenance A proper seal on your exterior doors stops most dust and water from entering your home. But even the best seal may not stop all dust or rain driven by a brisk wind. Exterior doors also have weatherstripping around them which helps seal them. Look for light under or around exterior doors. If you see the light, dust, or water can get in. Adjust the sweeps, thresholds (if they can be adjusted), and weatherstripping until you no longer can see light. Entrance doors Ensure the weatherstripping around all exterior doors is fastened tightly. Check every spring and fall. Prevent the door from sticking by applying petroleum jelly to rubber or vinyl weatherstripping.

Inspect the door’s seal base for excess wear or rips and tears.

Monitor threshold screws. If they stick up, tighten them. Failure to do so could damage the door seal.

Check around the door hinges for black iron residue. If you see it, remove it. Use a clean cloth or damp sponge to wipe it or place a magnet behind a cloth and run the magnet over it. The residue occurs due to the friction created in the hinges when the door opens and closes.

Sliding glass doors Ensure tracks remain clear of debris.

Periodically apply a small amount of oil to the lock mechanism and the bottom of the door.

Lubricate the tracks with a silicone lubricant. This is especially important for aluminum sliding glass doors.

If the door drags on the sill or is hard to open, adjust the threshold as necessary.

HOME TIP: To adjust the door, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions, too, if the door doesn’t latch or slide smoothly.

If hinges squeak or locks stick, spray an aerosol lubricant on them.

Homeowners association If your home is part of a homeowners

Minimize door hinge grinding by applying silicone to them.

association, check with it regarding exterior maintenance. You should be familiar with what you can and cannot do and what maintenance items the association is responsible.

If the paint on wood doors, jambs, and trim begins to peel, scrape, sand, and seal them.

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